PAT Testing and
How to Become
a PAT Tester
Portable Appliance Testing (or PAT Testing as it is commonly referred to) is a process in the UK whereby electrical appliances are routinely checked for safety.
The Electricity at Work Regulations place a legal responsibility on employers, employees and self-employed persons to take reasonably practicable steps to ensure that no danger results from the use of such equipment, which effectively means that a system is put in place for regular inspection and testing to identify whether maintenance is required.
How often should electrical equipment be tested?
Electrical equipment should be visually checked to spot early signs of damage or deterioration. Equipment should be more thoroughly tested by a competent person often enough that there is little chance that the equipment will become dangerous between tests. Equipment that is used in a harsh environment should be tested more frequently than equipment that is less likely to become damaged or unsafe.
It is good practice to assess how often equipment being used for work purposes should be tested, write down your findings, make sure the testing is carried out, and write down the results of the tests.
What Qualifications do I need to become a PAT Tester?
In the UK, there are no formal qualifications required for persons requiring PAT Testing. The Electricity at Work Regulations of 1989 simply state that inspecting and testing must be carried out by a competent person. It has become accepted practice, however, for individuals operating as PAT Testers to hold a City and Guilds qualification (2377-12) in order to be able to show competency. PAT Testers in the UK do not need to be electricians, attend an electrical training course or have a background in the electrical industry.
What equipment will I need to become a PAT Tester?
The first thing you will need is a copy of The Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment. Not only do you need the book for the City and Guilds 2377-12 exam, but you will use it for reference on every PAT Testing job you undertake.
It can be purchased online at Amazon here.
PAT Testing equipment ranges in price from £300- over £1000 with widely varying capabilities. The Tester you choose will depend on the work you expect to be carrying out. For example, if part of your work will involve testing 110V tools then you will require a PAT Tester with this facility. Generally, the cheaper the equipment, the fewer different tests you can carry out, but one costing around £700 will do most things.
How much can I earn as a PAT Tester?
Self-employed PAT Testers can expect to earn between £20 - £30 per hour on PAT Testing jobs.
